Check engine light with loss of power

How to tell what's causing it

  • The light is flashing, or the engine shakes as power drops.

    Misfire costs power and a flashing light means it is bad enough to damage the converter. Stop first, diagnose second.

    Points to: P0300, Ignition coil

  • The temperature gauge is high or there is steam as power drops.

    Owner's manuals list sudden power loss among the signs of overheating. Overheating is a stop condition whatever code is stored.

    Points to: Thermostat

  • Power is weak and gets worse at higher speed or uphill, with converter codes or a history of misfire.

    A converter that has melted or clogged restricts the exhaust, which reduces power and can make starting hard.

    Points to: Catalytic converter, P0420, P0430

  • A turbocharged engine with P0299 feels flat under acceleration.

    P0299 means boost is below what the computer asked for; manufacturer service bulletins describe it with reduced power.

    Points to: P0299

  • A direct-injection engine with P0087 loses power or stumbles under load.

    P0087 means fuel rail pressure is too low, so the engine cannot get the fuel it needs; an Audi bulletin links it to the light and loss of performance.

    Points to: P0087

  • Power is limited, shifting changes, and a transmission code (P0700) or a flashing transmission indicator appears.

    The transmission can go into a fail-safe mode that limits performance and lights the check engine light; owner's manuals say to have the transmission checked as soon as possible.

    Points to: P0700

Codes that go with it

  • P0300

    Random or multiple-cylinder misfire detected

    Inspect soon

  • P0420

    Catalytic converter efficiency below the computer's limit (Bank 1)

    Monitor

  • P0430

    Catalytic converter efficiency below the computer's limit (Bank 2)

    Monitor

  • P0128

    Engine coolant stays below thermostat temperature

    Monitor

  • P0299

    Turbocharger or supercharger is producing less boost than the engine computer requested

    Inspect soon

  • P0087

    Fuel pressure in the rail or supply system is lower than the engine computer requested

    Inspect soon

  • P0700

    Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Inspect soon

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: How to Handle Overheating — American Honda Motor Co.
  3. Owner's Manual (online): Signs your engine is overheating — Honda Canada
  4. 2020 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual — Nissan North America
  5. Honda owner's manual: Continuously Variable Transmission, shift lever position indicator (p. 166) — American Honda Motor Co. ,
  6. Problems With Bad Catalytic Converters — Walker Exhaust Systems (Tenneco)
  7. Catalytic Converter FAQ — Walker Exhaust Systems (Tenneco)
  8. RAM service bulletin 09-003-26 (P0299 turbocharger underboost) — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  9. Volkswagen service bulletin 2036110 (Passat TDI, P0299 underboost) — Volkswagen of America / NHTSA
  10. Audi service bulletin 2033211/1 (fuel rail pressure too low) — Audi of America / NHTSA ,
  11. Final Regulation Order: 13 CCR §1968.2, Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II), 2004 and subsequent model-year passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles (2015 amendments) — California Air Resources Board
  12. OBD consumer brochure: Do you drive a 1996 or newer car or light truck? (EPA420-F-02-016) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Transportation and Air Quality ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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